Outdoors gas fireplace

ABSTRACT

A gas-fired fireplace is provided with a structure for supporting an artificial log which encourages users to place artificial logs in positions over the gas burner which provide a wind shadow over the burner and which reduces the prospects that the flame of the burner will be extinguished by wind. The burner of the fireplace is also provided with an igniter positioned adjacent gas openings in the burner and shielded by a hood and by side flanges from the wind to also reduce the prospects that the flame of the burner will be extinguished by wind.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to a gas-fired fireplace which is to be operated out of doors in locations where it may be exposed to wind and rain.

BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

People have always enjoyed sitting around a fire. In modem society, it is increasingly difficult to arrange to have an outdoor fire for several reasons. Municipal zoning bylaws may not permit open fires in a household backyard. Fires require fuel and there may not be a ready supply of appropriate fuel, e.g. wood, that will burn readily without producing undue smoke. In these circumstances, there may be a market for a gas-fired fireplace which can be operated out of doors.

One of the problems faced in providing such a device is that it may be exposed on occasion to wind and rain. When this occurs, there is a risk that the wind or rain will extinguish the gas flame. If this occurs, unignited gas may continue to flow into the environment, creating a hazard. It would be desirable to provide a gas-fired fireplace which has a reduced susceptibility to a loss of flame under windy or damp conditions.

Accredited Standard Associations test to a standard that requires an outdoor fireplace to tolerate a 50 kph wind and rain tests without the main burner flame being extinguished. Furthermore, such fireplaces must be able to pass the stipulated ignition of the main burner test no matter what its orientation is with respect to the wind and rain. Accordingly, in providing a gas-fired outdoor fireplace, reliable, safe ignition of the main burner in all orientations with respect to the wind is required.

In providing a gas-fired outdoor fireplace it would also be attractive to include imitation or artificial ceramic logs to complete the appearance of a traditional outdoor fire. However, in the course of development of the present invention, it has been recognized that such logs can enhance the risk that the flame provided by a gas burner may be extinguished by a high-level wind or rain. In particular, if ceramic logs are assembled in a certain orientation, they may provide a tunnel which will focus the flow of air, enhancing the undesirable effect of a local wind. If such a tunnel is particularly oriented to focus and increase wind over the main burner gas ports, there is an increased risk that the flame will not ignite properly or become extinguished once the main burner is ignited.

Accordingly, it would be desirable to provide a gas-fired outdoor fireplace wherein artificial logs may be assembled in such a way as to allow the burner to be ignited safely and reduce the risk that the gas flame will be extinguished by wind or rain. The present invention addresses both this and the earlier objective referenced above.

The invention in its general form will first be described, and then its implementation in terms of specific embodiments will be detailed with reference to the drawings following hereafter. These embodiments are intended to demonstrate the principle of the invention, and the manner of its implementation. The invention in its broadest and more specific forms will then be further described, and defined, in each of the individual claims which conclude this Specification.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to the present invention in one aspect a gas-fired outdoor fireplace having a burner with a gas inlet for supplying gas to the burner has an igniter with a hood that protects the flame from being extinguished by wind and rain. Preferably, the igniter it is positioned on the burner proximate to the gas supply inlet providing gas to the burner. The igniter is preferably both sheltered by an overlying hood and protected by wind deflecting shields on the lateral sides to the igniter.

As an optional alternate or additional feature, such a fireplace may have provision for the mounting of a number of artificial logs in position over the gas burner. The gas burner in such cases is also preferably provided with a support means for a first artificial log which guides a user in placing such artificial log over the burner. The artificial log is oriented on the burner so as to provide a partial wind-shadow in the region of the gas burner in the vicinity of the gas source inlet where the igniter is also preferably located. Correct log placement enhances the ignition of the main burner and protects the main burner from being extinguished in wind and rain conditions.

Thus, according to this latter feature of the present invention in one aspect, a gas-fired outdoor fireplace having a burner with a gas inlet for supplying gas to the burner has a bracket used to support and orient a first artificial log.

Once this initial log has been placed in the correct position to create the desired wind shadow, further logs may also be placed above the burner. According to a further aspect of the invention, the orientation of the initial log preferably disinclines users from stacking additional logs in positions that will tend to form a wind-tunnel that focuses and increases the velocity of ambient wind over the inlet portion of the burner.

The invention is based in both aspects on the observation that it is highly desirable to both illuminate the flame of a burner and maintain the presence of a flame at a location proximate to the inlet for gas feeding the burner. While it may be permissible for wind to extinguish a portion of the flame being emitted from a burner remote from the gas inlet on the burner without entirely losing flame, if the flame at the location of the gas inlet itself is momentarily extinguished, there is a substantial prospect that the entire flame being provided by the burner will also be extinguished. Accordingly, the benefits of the invention are achieved both by the presence of the igniter hood and by the presence of the log support means which guides positioning of the first artificial log in an orientation that will reduce the prospects that wind will extinguish the flames present in the region adjacent to the gas inlet.

The foregoing summarizes the principal features of the invention and some of its optional aspects. The invention may be further understood by the description of the preferred embodiments, in conjunction with the drawings, which now follow.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a pictorial view of artificial ceramic logs and lava rocks located in place over the top surface of the gas burner of the invention.

FIG. 2 is top quarter pictorial view of the burner of the invention showing the igniter with metal hood serving as a windshield over gas outlet openings or ports in the burner, and the central support post for aligning the principal ceramic log.

FIG. 3 is a detailed perspective view of the metal hood of FIG. 2 in position over the gas outlet openings of the burner so as to protect the igniter and adjacent gas port openings from wind and rain.

FIG. 4 is a side view of the burner of FIGS. 2, with a cutaway to show the igniter tip.

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional detail of the mounting of the igniter opposite the gas outlet ports in the burner.

FIG. 6 is a top, cut away, cross-sectional view looking down on the igniter with the top hood removed to show the side flanges.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

In FIG. 1 a ceramic pot 1 carries a burner 2, lava rocks 3 distributed over the burner 2 and ceramic logs 4 which serve as artificial logs 4 positioned over the lava rocks 3. The burner 2 is fed gas such as natural gas or propane through conduits not shown in FIG. 1.

The burner 2 has an under-side supporting plate 5, shown in FIG. 4, and a burner ring 6 positioned above the supporting plate 5. Threaded posts 14 extend downwardly from the supporting plate 5 to engage complementary fittings (not shown) within the pot 1 to fix the burner assembly in place. Threaded posts 15 extend upwardly from the supporting plate 5 to engage with and support the burner 2 through its support dish 7.

The burner ring 6 comprises a sealed conduit perforated by openings 10 to serve as ports and allow gas to be released and provide a flame. Gas is supplied to the burner ring 6 through a supply conduit 8, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4. A support dish 7 is positioned within the burner ring 6, best shown in FIG. 2, in the preferred configuration of being formed with an “S” profile to support the burner ring 6. Lava rocks 3 are distributed over the support dish 7.

At one side of the burner ring 6, preferably at or near the entry point of supply conduit 8, an electric igniter 9 is fastened to the support dish 7. Such igniter 9, shown schematically in the upright orientation in FIG. 4 but in an inclined orientation in FIGS. 3 and 5, provides a spark gap 11. The igniter 9 is connected by electrical wiring 21 from a terminal 13 to an electrical source (not shown) whereby an electrical spark may serve to ignite the gas released from the openings 10 in the burner ring 6. The igniter 9 is preferably mounted on a threaded post 17 passing through a hole in the support dish 7 whereby, by adjusting the location of nuts along such post 17, the height of the spark gap 11 above the openings 10 may be adjusted.

To shield the igniter 9 from wind, a hood 12 preferably in the form of a metal plate, extends from over the spark gap 11 to at least cover the gas outlet openings 10 and more preferably to cover the top of the burner ring 6. This metal hood 12 is positioned over the gas outlet openings 10 of the burner 2 so as to protect the igniter 9 and adjacent openings 10 from wind and rain which might otherwise extinguish a flame.

As shown in detail in FIG. 5, a 10-inch wide burner ring 2 may be provided with an igniter 9 having a hood 12 in the form of a plate, the overhanging portion of which is approximately 1-inch square. In this figure, the igniter 9 is shown as being inclined. Further, the hood is preferably positioned ¼ to ⅜ of an inch above the openings 10. The spark gap 11 present between the igniter tip 9A and at least one of the two inwardly bent, electrically grounded flanges 20 is preferably positioned ⅝ to ¾ inch from the openings 10.

The flanges 20, as shown in FIG. 6, are of metal to serve as a counter-electrode and are bent inwardly to lie adjacent to the igniter electrode tip 9A. This provides the spark gap 11. The flanges 20 also provide further shelter against the wind, minimizing the risk that the flame forming from the openings 10 is extinguished. While two flanges 20 are preferred to provide shelter from the wind, only one flange 20 is needed to provide the spark gap 11.

An electrical source (not shown), connected to the igniter 9 by a wire 21, may be provided that either periodically or continuously provides voltage through an electrical terminal 13 on the igniter 9 to ensure that a flame is maintained. Alternately, the electrical source may actuate the igniter only at the time of initial ignition.

In the center of the support plate 7 a post 15 carries a bracket 16 which preferably has upturned edges 17 to support and align a ceramic log 4 amidst a layer of lava rocks 3. The post 15 preferably supports the bracket 16 at a height of ¾ to 1 inch above the support plate 7. The post is threaded allowing the positioning of nuts to be used to adjust this height. Lava rocks 3 are normally piled to the height of the bracket 16 which serves as a guide. A ceramic log 4 is then laid across the bracket 16.

This ceramic log 4 will be the first artificial log 4 of several to be placed over the burner 2. It is guided by the bracket 16 to be positioned in an orientation extending transversely across the burner 2. By reason of the orientation of the bracket 16, this first artificial log 4 is thereby oriented so as to face the igniter 9 transversely. That is, the log 4 is located at a position on the burner 2 so that the ends of the log 4 are generally equidistant to the igniter 9. This provides an orientation for the first artificial log which disinclines users from stacking additional logs in positions that will tend to form a wind-tunnel that focuses and increases the velocity of ambient wind over the igniter 9 and gas inlet portion of the burner 2.

The first ceramic log 4 positioned on this bracket 16 serves not only the aesthetic function of providing the appearance of a wood log fire, but also guides the user to orient subsequent ceramic logs 4 in a way which further reduces the prospects that a gust of wind may extinguish the flame of the burner 2. An arrow 18 shown in FIG. 2 indicates the preferred orientation of the first ceramic log 4 placed upon the bracket 16. Further ceramic logs are then placed above the initial ceramic log 4 in the manner depicted in FIG. 1.

Each of the two distinct features of the invention, the hood 12 provided in association with the igniter 9 and the presence of the bracket 16 designed to assist in guiding the orientation of the first ceramic log 4, contribute to maintaining the reliable presence of a flame within the burner 2. Together, they provide even further security to promote the continued presence of a flame, and the avoidance of the release of un-ignited gas by an extinguishing gust of wind.

CONCLUSION

The foregoing has constituted a description of specific embodiments showing how the invention may be applied and put into use. These embodiments are only exemplary. The invention in its broadest, and more specific aspects is further described and defined in the claims which now follow.

These claims, and the language used therein, are to be understood in terms of the variants of the invention which have been described. They are not to be restricted to such variants, but are to be read as covering the full scope of the invention as is implicit within the invention and the disclosure that has been provided herein. 

1. A gas-fired outdoor fireplace having a burner with a gas inlet for supplying flammable gas to the burner for release of such gas through gas openings formed in the burner in combination with an igniter, the igniter being positioned adjacent the gas inlet and provided with a hood that overlies the gas openings to shield ignited gas from being extinguished by a wind.
 2. A gas-fired outdoor fireplace as in claim 1 wherein the gas openings are mounted in a circular conduit and the hood extends to overlie the circular conduit.
 3. A gas-fired outdoor fireplace as in claim 1 wherein the igniter comprises an electrode spark tip and at least one inwardly bent metal flange positioned adjacent to the tip to serve as a counter-electrode and form a spark gap which, when electrically actuated, provides an igniting spark in the vicinity of the gas openings.
 4. A gas-fired outdoor fireplace as in claim 3 in combination with an electrical source that provides electrical actuation of the spark gap on a continuous basis.
 5. A gas-fired outdoor fireplace as in claim 1 wherein said burner comprises a central support plate carrying a support post for the mounting of at least one artificial log in position over the gas burner.
 6. A gas-fired outdoor fireplace as in claim 5 wherein the support post comprises a support bracket with side flanges for orienting an artificial log in a position which causes the artificial log, when placed over the burner on the support bracket to reduce the extent to which wind will have access to the gas inlet of the burner thereby reducing the risk of flame provided by the burner from being extinguished.
 7. A gas-fired outdoor fireplace as in claim 6 wherein the artificial log is a first artificial log which has two ends and wherein the support bracket is oriented for supporting said first artificial log to extend transversely across the burner, the first artificial log being oriented for facing the igniter located at a position on the burner so that the igniter is located equidistant from the ends of the first artificial log.
 8. A gas-fired outdoor fireplace as in claim 7 comprising additional artificial logs placed over the first artificial log without forming a wind-tunnel that focuses and increases the velocity of ambient wind over the inlet portion of the burner.
 9. A gas-fired outdoor fireplace having: a) a burner with a gas inlet for supplying flammable gas to the burner for release through gas openings formed in the burner; b) an igniter positioned adjacent the gas inlet, and c) a central support plate carrying a support post for the mounting of at least one artificial log in position over the gas burner wherein the support post comprises a support bracket with side flanges for orienting an artificial log in a position which guides the artificial log for being oriented, when placed over the burner on the support bracket, to reduce the extent to which wind will have access to the gas inlet of the burner thereby reducing the risk of flame provided by the burner from being extinguished.
 10. A gas-fired outdoor fireplace as in claim 9 wherein the support bracket is aligned for supporting a first artificial log in an orientation extending transversely across the burner, the first artificial log being oriented for facing the igniter whereby the ends of the first artificial log are equidistant igniter.
 11. A gas-fired or outdoor fireplace as in claim 10 comprising additional artificial logs placed over the first artificial log without forming a wind-tunnel that focuses and increases the velocity of ambient wind over the inlet portion of the burner. 